KAA Calls for Autonomy and Free Competition in Advertising Market
- SNU Prof. Park warns of civic groups' intervention in management

Min Byung-joon, chairman of the Korea Advertisers Association (KAA), said autonomy of corporate activities and competition   should be guaranteed to overcome the recession of the national economy.

KAA Chairman Min said, "The free market economy is prerequisite for the development of the national economy, and autonomy should be guaranteed in the advertising market, but the old-fashioned advertising regime is still retained." He made the remark during his opening speech to the 2004 KAA Annual Conference. About 500 people, including the representatives from major corporate advertisers, the government, academic circle and other occupations, participated in the annual gathering. Minister of Culture and Tourism Chung Dong-chea and Chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries Kang Shin-ho were also present.

KAA Chairman said anti-business sentiment that is still prevailing in society should be resolved to turn around the sluggish economy, adding that the nation is faced with such crises as the sagging domestic consumption and corporate investment.

The theme of the KAA annual rally, celebrating the fourth anniversary this year, was Free Market, Free Speech, and Free Choice. The annual meeting comprised of the opening ceremony, a seminar and an advertisers night.

Prof. Park Hyo-jong, of Seoul National University, told the seminar that civic organizations should not meddle in corporate management affairs. "Civic organizations can suggest the direction of the "corporate boat," but they should not row the boat. If they do such thing, it would lead to intervention into management, not offering advice on management," the professor said.

KAA presented the Meritorious Award each to Kwon Myung-kwang of Hongik University Industrial Art Graduate School, Kim Han-yong, president of the Kim Han-yong Picture Research Institute and Park Sang-gap, an LG Electronics advisor.

KAA Best Model Awards went to TV talent Kim Jung-eun and singer Eric (his real name, Moon Jung-hyuk).   nw